By Chukwudi Ebele
The Joint Council of Knights, Province of the Niger, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion yesterday extended its congratulations to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR and his deputy, Dr. OnyekaChukwu Ibezim on their successful re-election and swearing in for s
a second term in the office.
In a congratulatory message by the knights signed by the Chairman,Sir Ken Mmoya and Secretary
Sir Henry N Agu, the knights commended the vision of the Governor for Anambra state.
The Joint Council of Knights, Province of the Niger, Anglican Communion however frowned at the lack of equity and fair representation of all religious denominations in Soludo’s appointments so far.
The knights were worried that Ninety nine (99%) percent of the mayors and deputy mayors in the 21 local government areas in the just concluded APGA selective primaries for the forthcoming local government elections are from one religious denomination.
The open congratulatory message reads thus: “The Joint Council of Knights, Province of the Niger, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion
extends our felicitations to you and the Deputy Governor on your successful inauguration for a second term as the Executive Governor and Deputy Governor of Anambra State respectively.
“Your victory at the polls and subsequent swearing-in are testaments to the vision you have laid out for our dear state. It is our fervent prayer that this second tenure brings about a bigger, more prosperous, and truly liveable Anambra—a state where progress is felt in every household and every community. May God grant you renewed wisdom and vigour to steer the ship of the state towards greater heights.
“As partners in the progress of Anambra,we find it necessary to bring a matter of significant communal concern to your attention. Your Excellency, as we hold your administration’s “Solution” agenda in high regard, we humbly plead for equitable representation in the ongoing appointments.
While we do not doubt the individual competencies of those already enlisted and published appointees, it is however very important to remind Your Excellency of denominational balance as Anambra is a state built on the collective strength of all its Christian faithful.
“To foster true goodwill and ensure that no section of the state feels marginalized, it is imperative that the interests of the Anglican Communion and other denominations are visibly reflected in subsequent appointments, bearing in mind that other denominations of our dear state have such quality technocrats in all ramifications.
“Furthermore Your Excellency, it is very worthy to bring to your notice ( should you not be aware) that we also carefully observed that 99% ( Ninety nine percent) if not all the Mayors and Deputy Mayors in the just concluded APGA party selective primaries for the forth coming local government elections are from one christian denomination
“A balanced administration is a catalyst for unity. By ensuring fair representation, you reinforce the sense of belonging among all citizens, which is vital for the social harmony and political stability of our state.
“We trust in your capacity as a leader for all Anambrarians to look into this matter and ensure that future selections reflect the diverse religious fabric of our people.
The message concluded: “Please accept,Your Excellency, the assurances of our highest esteem and continued prayer”.